Daniel Auteuil in "The Closet."

MOVIE INFORMATION

With 10 as a must-see, Jack gives this film a: Stars: Daniel Auteuil Director: Francis Veber Rated: R, with sex and profanity Length: 93 minutes

ROCHESTERCRITIQUE

Having seen this film, how would you rate it? 10 5 9 4 8 3 7 2 6 1

By Jack Garner
Democrat and Chronicle

(July 27, 2001) -- Gay ruse infuses accountant with personality JACK GARNER It wasn't that long ago that being openly gay would get you fired. The Closet is about a guy today who pretends to be gay just so he won't lose his job.

That's the amusing premise of this breezy satire on political correctness and homophobia, directed by Francis Veber, the veteran behind La Cage Aux Folles and The Dinner Party.

Daniel Auteuil stars as Francois Pignon, a milquetoast accountant whose unimaginative approach to life has driven away his wife and son. He's hardly noticed at work. That's OK, as he's about to be fired.

But then a neighbor (Michel Aumont) suggests they spread the rumor that Pignon is gay; the company won't fire him for fear of being accused of discrimination.

The neighbor, a retired corporate psychologist, loves the irony. He was fired 20 years ago because he's homosexual; Pignon will save his job today by pretending to be gay.

Pignon then goes about his life as before -- except his co-workers and bosses now have a different perception of him. A fellow worker (Michele Laroque) finds him attractive and a challenge for seduction; his estranged teenage son now finds him interesting; life at work becomes exciting.

While pretending to come out of a closet, Pignon comes out of his shell. His transformation is subtle and believable; he really does turn into a more interesting person.

Auteuil shares the screen with the formidable Gerard Depardieu. He offers amusing support as Felix, the macho office bigot. Fearful now for his own job, Felix pushes his forced friendship with Pignon, treating him to an expensive dinner and a birthday present (a pink sweater!).

The comedy of manners is performed in the modern, brightly lit office of a company that manufactures condoms -- the reason the bosses are sensitive about gay issues.

The result is light-hearted fun -- an amusing enterprise that walks a fine, clever line on a tricky topic without ever giving offense.